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    Home » Recipes » Low-Carb Keto Dinner Recipes

    Fat Head Dough Calzones (1.6G Net Carbs)

    Published: Feb 1, 2018· Modified: Apr 20, 2022· By Libby Jenkinson May contain affiliate links.

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    5-INGREDIENTS COOKBOOK STARTER PACK JUMP TO RECIPE
    A close up of calzones on a white plate

    The perfect keto meal or snack that's only 1.6g net carbs.

    Discover the simple recipe that can be made as low-carb dumplings, empanadas, or patties.

    My kids LOVE these and always ask me to make double so they can have them in their school lunch box.

    A close up of calzones on a white plate
    Fat Head Dough Calzones - the perfect keto meal - 1.6g net carbs:

    If you are an absolute beginner with Fat Head dough, you may want to see the supreme guide to making fat head dough even without a microwave. Can be made with almond flour or coconut flour EVEN WITHOUT a microwave PLUS 16 keto recipes to use it.

    Jump to:
    • Keto Italian pastry
    • What is a calzone?
    • How to make keto dumplings or empanadas
    • Ways to use fat head dough
    • Low-carb lunch ideas
    • 📖 Recipe
    • Fat Head Dough Keto Calzones Recipe
    • Top 10 Fat Head dough recipes
    • 💬 Comments

    Keto Italian pastry

    If you miss Italian pastries, then using Fat Head dough is the perfect solution and I have a cheats way to make the beef filling.

    Next time you make my low-carb spaghetti bolognese with zoodles, reserve a little leftover ground/minced beef for filling the calzones. This recipe doesn't require much at all, so it's an easy way to repurpose and stretch a meal.

    What is a calzone?

    It's an Italian folded pastry with savory fillings you would often find in a pizza or other Italian dishes. They are made in 2 easy steps.

    1: Simply make your Fat Head dough (scroll below for the recipe and quick video) as shown in these pictures.

    • A close up of fat head pizza dough
      Fat Head dough ready to use
    • A wooden rolling pin making fat head pizza dough into a pizza shape
      Roll between two pieces of baking parchment paper
    • Low-carb pizza dough being rolled out with baking parchment and a wooden rolling pin
      Remove the top sheet of baking paper
    • A close-up of keto pizza dough rolled out
      Use as per recipe below

    2: You can make them by hand, folding and pinching the Fat Head dough, or you can buy an inexpensive little calzone press that makes keto calzones a breeze in a few seconds.

    Calzones with a calzone maker
    Fat Head Dough Calzones

    You simply cut out a circle of Fat Head dough using a glass tumbler. Place the Fat Head dough in the press, or the palm of your hand. Add 1 or 2 teaspoons of filling, some cheese, then fold over the press, or fold the edges together using your fingers to crimp it shut.

    How to make keto dumplings or empanadas

    Who else loves empanada, dumplings, and savory patties? Cornish pasties even?

    You can make them all using the method to make these keto calzones, all you need to do is vary the filling.

    • Fat Head Dough Empanadas - fill with any leftover low-carb nacho beef mix. Add extra mozzarella and serve with salsa.
    • Fat Head Dough Dumplings - fill with leftover keto crackslaw and bake until golden. Dumplings are usually steamed, but the Fat Head dough can't withstand steaming.
    • Fat Head Dough Savoury Patties - fill with ground beef mixture used to make mini meatloaves.
    Calzones on a lined baking tray
    Keto calzones ready to bake

    Ways to use fat head dough

    Once you discover Fat Head dough, there is no going back. It is naturally gluten-free and grain-free, just amazing mozzarella, cream cheese, and egg.

    This is the ultimate Fat Head pizza recipe.  For anyone who doesn’t know, Fat Head pizza was created by Tom Naughton’s oldest brother’s oldest son. Ever since it has been named in honor of his Fat Head Movie.

    These are my top 5 Fat Head dough recipes:

    • Fat head pizza sliced sitting on a wire cooling rack
    • FatHead nachos. Absolutely a stroke of genius. Low carb, grain free nacho heaven. | ditchthecarbs.com
    • Fat Head sausage rolls have arrived and are going crazy. How to turn a humble sausage into something spectacular . | ditchthecarbs.com
    • Keto taco cups with FatHead pastry served with salad and avocado
    1. Fat Head pizza - the Holy Grail of low-carb and keto pizzas
    2. Fat Head dough nachos
    3. Fat Head crackers
    4. Fat Head sausage rolls 
    5. Fat Head dough taco cups
     

    Low-carb lunch ideas

    Cooked calzones on a serving tray
    The perfect keto meal or snack that's only 1.6g net carbs.

    Fat Head dough calzones are perfect for low-carb lunch boxes too. If you are looking for low-carb lunch box recipes and ideas, these may help you.

    • Kid's recipe index
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    My Low-Carb Lunch book has 34 easy recipes, a 5 step program to reduce the carbs and junk food from your kid's daily meals and there's even a FAQ written just for children.

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    📖 Recipe

    Please rate this recipe.

    3.9 from 74 votes

    Fat Head Dough Keto Calzones Recipe

    Incredible keto Fat Head dough calzones that are healthy and gluten free. Perfect for low-carb healthy lunch boxes . 
    Servings: 12 calzones
    NET carbs: 1.6g
    Author: Libby Jenkinson
    Prep Time 15 minutes
    Cook Time 10 minutes
    Total Time 25 minutes
    Category: Dinner. Snacks
    Diet: Diabetic. Gluten Free
    Gluten Free. Grain free. Keto. LCHF. Low Carb. No Sugars. Wheat Free
    Review Recipe Print Pin Email

    Calculate ingredients

    Adjust servings: 12 calzones
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    Ingredients

    Fat Head Dough

    • 170 g (1 ¾ cups) shredded/grated cheese mozzarella is the best or Edam/mild cheese
    • 85 g (¾ cups) almond meal/flour
    • 2 tablespoon cream cheese
    • 1 eggs - medium
    • 1 pinch salt to taste
    • ½ teaspoon dried rosemary/ garlic or other flavourings optional

    Calzone Filling

    • 150 g (1 cup) spaghetti bolognese (leftovers)
    • 50 g (½ cup) shredded/grated cheese mozzarella is the best

    Equipment

    • Calzone press

    Instructions

    Fat head Dough

    • Mix the shredded/grated cheese and almond flour/meal in a microwaveable bowl. Add the cream cheese. Microwave on HIGH for 1 minute.
    • Stir then microwave on HIGH for another 30 seconds.
    • Add the egg, salt, rosemary and any other flavourings, mix gently.
    • Place the dough in between 2 pieces of baking parchment/paper and roll out as shown in the  pictures above. 

    Calzones

    • Remove the top piece of paper. Cut the Fat Head dough into circle shapes using a glass tumbler or mug. 
    • Place the circle of dough into the calzone press. Place 1 or 2 teaspoons of spaghetti bolognese into the centre, add some grated/shredded cheese, then close the calzone press gently. After the first calzone, you will know whether to add more or less to the calzones. Each calzone press is slightly different.
    • Place each meat and cheese filled calzone on a lined baking dish, bake at 180C/350F for 20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
    © Copyright Ditch The Carbs

    Notes

    • Fat Head pastry can also be made by replacing the almond meal/flour with ¼ cup (4 tbsp) coconut flour.
    • If the mixture hardens and becomes difficult to work with, pop it back in the microwave for 10-20 seconds to soften again but not too long or you will cook the egg.
    • If you do not have a microwave, you can gently melt the cheeses together in a saucepan.

    5-INGREDIENTS COOKBOOK

    .

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    Nutrition Facts
    Fat Head Dough Keto Calzones Recipe
    Serving Size
     
    1 calzone (makes 12)
    Amount per Serving
    NET carbs
     
    1.6
    g
    Total Carbohydrates
     
    2.5
    g
    1
    %
    Fiber
     
    0.9
    g
    4
    %
    Sugar
     
    0.7
    g
    1
    %
    Protein
     
    7.1
    g
    14
    %
    Fat
     
    9.4
    g
    14
    %
    % Daily Value*
    -
    Calories
    97
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

    YOUR HOLIDAY PANTRY & GIFT GUIDES

    .

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    Approximate nutrition information is provided for convenience and as a courtesy only. For the most accurate nutritional data, use the actual ingredients and brands you used in your preferred nutrition calculator.

    Top 10 Fat Head dough recipes

    If you love these keto mozzarella calzones, I have a Fat Head dough recipe roundup for you with 10 easy keto fathead dough recipes.

    So I think you'll agree, once you master mozzarella dough, you can make almost anything.

    10 images of keto fathead dough variations
    Top 10 Fat Head dough recipes

    More ... The Best Low-Carb Keto Dinner Recipes

    • Quick Cheesy Keto Chicken Casserole (Pork Rind Crust)
    • The Best Cheesy Keto Taco Casserole (Without Taco Shells)
    • Easy Keto Salmon Recipe with Creamy Garlic Butter Sauce (One-Pan)
    • The Best Keto Chicken Parmesan (Oven Recipe)
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    Libby Jenkinson in her garden

    I'm Libby Jenkinson MPS. A registered pharmacist, Health Coach, Cert.Adv Nutrition, mother of 3 and founder of Ditch The Carbs and Low-Carb Practitioners.

    Learn more about me →

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    1. Pascal

      January 24, 2021 at 9:09 am

      The only comment I had was that the edges were not sticking and, when you are trying to stick the edges, the other parts seem to tear. So I had to abandon the whole process.

      Reply
    2. Ajay

      June 02, 2020 at 9:16 am

      1 star
      Hardest fathead dough I have worked with, all it did was break even before filling, just ended up making a full size calzone, will definitely try the concept again just with the dough I am use to!

      Reply
      • Libby www.ditchthecarbs.com

        June 03, 2020 at 10:33 am

        Hey there Ajay, I'm not sure why this Fat Head dough recipe is any different to the Fat Head you are used to, they are all the same standard Fat Head recipe. I wonder if you have used the correct cheese? It has to be pre-shredded mozzarella. Top Tip: You can always pop the dough in the fridge for a while so the dough firms enough to roll out if you are having trouble.

        Reply
    3. Evelyn

      April 18, 2020 at 4:12 am

      5 stars
      This looks so good. I have a lot of fresh mozzarella and all kinds of other cheeses other than shredded/low moisture mozzarella because I'm on keto diet . Can I use the fresh mozzarella for the dough instead of the shredded mozzarella? Will it melt in the microwave?

      Reply
      • Libby www.ditchthecarbs.com

        April 20, 2020 at 10:58 am

        You can use fresh mozzarella but you may need to use additional almond flour (or coconut flour if you are making the coconut flour version as per recipe notes). Pay close attention to how much moisture is in your final dough because the pre-shredded mozzarella is usually much drier than fresh mozzarella. Ensure you pat dry the fresh mozzarella (as it is usually stored in liquid), and adjust the amount of flour you add accordingly.

        Reply
    4. Jayne

      June 05, 2019 at 11:23 am

      Hi I am wondering about using a different cream cheese to Philadelphia. Would cottage cheese work or home-made sour cream perhaps?

      Reply
    5. Clemson86

      February 04, 2019 at 2:37 am

      FYI, the underside of your typical calzone or pastry press is a cutter. Perfect size for the press.

      Reply
    6. Jean

      January 20, 2019 at 3:26 am

      I’m new to using parchment paper. Every time I have tried to use it I always have the dough stick to it. Then I’m trying to scrape it off the paper. What am I doing wrong?

      Reply
      • Libby www.ditchthecarbs.com

        January 21, 2019 at 9:00 pm

        Some people find wetting the paper first helps to prevent the Fat Head dough from sticking to the baking parchment.

        Reply
    7. Liz

      December 25, 2018 at 12:42 am

      We love these but I find I can't get much filling inside them, that the dough tears open when they're barely full. Any tips?

      Reply
      • Libby www.ditchthecarbs.com

        December 26, 2018 at 8:09 pm

        You are correct, they don't need much filling. I would expect a couple of teaspoons at most. They are bite-sized yumminess.

        Reply
        • MJ

          January 14, 2021 at 7:18 am

          5 stars
          I followed the recipe exactly as written, weighing the almond flour and cheese for precision... and this recipe was a quick, easy, delicious hit! Admittedly, I overstuffed and under-crimped, so probably half of my cheese oozed out during cooking, but I happen to love oozy cheese, and I've already ordered a mini dumpling press for next time! The only deviation I made was to add a big pinch of dry active yeast to try to amp up the "doughy" flavor since I'm trying to convert my pizza-loving boyfriend to keto, and we both enjoyed every bite.

          Reply
          • Libby www.ditchthecarbs.com

            January 14, 2021 at 8:45 pm

            This is great MJ. I love how many deviations, overstuffing, lack of crimping or other things occurred when you made the calzones, yet they still turned out great and you still loved them. Thank you for the 5-star review!

            Reply
    8. Steph

      December 02, 2018 at 12:17 pm

      I made the recipe with the exact amount that calls for 12 servings and I barely even got 5 tiny calzones out of it. exactly how big are the ones your making with that press? i was hoping to use the recipe to make large enough sized ones for the work week

      Reply
      • Libby www.ditchthecarbs.com

        December 03, 2018 at 10:47 am

        5 stars
        They are quite small - instant portion control. I use this a small press (you can see it in my Amazon keto store). They are a similar size to dumplings.

        Reply
    9. NutriQueen

      November 11, 2018 at 9:38 pm

      What a great pizza base, I just made the Fat Head base and it was a delicious, sturdy, thin & crusty. Great recipe - apart from the huge amount of calories but every now and again perfect for my keto diet. Thanks so much!

      Reply
    10. Ruby

      May 14, 2018 at 5:54 pm

      Hi I am new to keto and I really want to make these, but I don't have a press. Any suggestions?

      Reply
      • Libby www.ditchthecarbs.com

        May 15, 2018 at 10:23 am

        You can make these by hand. Just cut out a circle of Fat Head dough as shown, place the filling in the centre, then fold the dough/pastry over the filling and squeeze the edges together with your finger tips.

        Reply
    11. Tumi Chengwe

      May 10, 2018 at 10:44 pm

      Can i replace the almond flour with golden flaxseed flour for the fat head dough? I don't like the texture of almond flour

      Reply
    12. Madison

      April 10, 2018 at 12:21 pm

      How well does the fathead dough freeze?

      Reply
      • Libby www.ditchthecarbs.com

        April 10, 2018 at 4:29 pm

        It freezes well after it has been cooked. Don't freeze the uncooked dough.

        Reply
    13. Julia

      March 25, 2018 at 1:24 am

      Can I use fresh rosemary instead of dried? I have a huge bush! I can wait to try this.

      Reply
      • Libby www.ditchthecarbs.com

        March 26, 2018 at 9:59 am

        YES!!! I love using fresh rosemary from my herb garden. There is nothing quite like it 🙂

        Reply
    14. Heidi

      March 08, 2018 at 7:19 pm

      Amazing dough recipe my son devoured all of these! Seems like I need to make these all the time! Fantastic!!

      Reply
    15. Mary wood

      February 16, 2018 at 3:38 pm

      Hi ... made this today using coconut flour and tasty cheese as I didn't have mozzarella cheese. Used my leftover chicken cocunut curry as a filling. Ate half for lunch with 50 grams of salad and olive oil, rock salt and lemon dressing. As i am posting this I can hardly move it was so filling. Not sure if will be having much for dinner!! Thanks for another great recipe

      Reply
      • Libby www.ditchthecarbs.com

        February 20, 2018 at 3:12 pm

        Brilliant Mary! I love reading this. It's such a great recipe for utilising leftovers, and as you found out, so incredibly filling.

        Reply
    16. Tamarra

      February 15, 2018 at 9:39 am

      Love these, as it’s hard to think of low carb lunch box additions for the kids.

      Reply
    17. Tanya

      February 12, 2018 at 12:33 pm

      I even forgot the egg in the pastry (LOL was too excited Ive been waiting to make these forever!). Even without the egg, these are DELICIOUS - one of the best Keto recipes Ive found. I had to stop my husband from eating them all! Definitely a double batch next time - how do they freeze?

      Reply
    18. Kristin

      February 09, 2018 at 11:31 am

      Didn't work for me...the dough just fell apart when I tried to fold it...any ideas?

      Reply
      • Libby www.ditchthecarbs.com

        February 09, 2018 at 1:09 pm

        It appears like you may have to add some extra almond flour/meal to make it a little more sturdy.

        Reply
      • Grandi

        February 28, 2018 at 1:56 pm

        It may be your dough was too thin, if it tore? I had better luck by wiping the dough press clean of residue after each, and best results using my hands to shape it instead. Delicious! I used leftover meat sauce from Zoodles Bolognese.

        Reply
      • Nicole Ayla Ashby-King

        April 07, 2019 at 2:50 am

        1 star
        Mine crumbled apart too. This is THE WORST fathead dough recipe I've ever tried. The issue isn't "not enough almond meal/flour", the issue is too much almond meal/flour.

        Reply
    19. Lynda

      February 01, 2018 at 5:13 pm

      Oh my goodness, these look good!!! I have followed Tom Naughton, aka Fathead, now for well over 8 years! His movie was the "lightbulb" moment that made me realise about the effect of insulin and carbs.

      Reply
      • Libby www.ditchthecarbs.com

        February 01, 2018 at 5:50 pm

        Love that man! Have you seen his talks aboard the low-carb cruise? Genius.

        Reply
        • Lynda

          February 02, 2018 at 11:34 pm

          Yes.. but my favourite talk of his was the "Wisdom of the Crowd" speech. Gold. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KzPnnDDCIjo

          Reply
          • Libby www.ditchthecarbs.com

            February 05, 2018 at 12:15 pm

            Yes, this is brilliant!

            Reply

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